A person uses gold уже несколько тысяч лет. В древности металл заменял деньги, из него изготавливали украшения, предметы роскоши, символы власти и богатства. Сегодня драгоценный материал используют самые разные отрасли производства. О том, где применяют золото в современном мире, читайте далее.
History of discovery and use of gold, its characteristics
The first mentions of applications gold dates back 3,000 years before our era. Since ancient times, people's lives and activities have been inseparably connected with this material. It was used to make jewelry and household items, to decorate weapons and works of art.
The precious element also served as the basis for coinage.
In the 19th century, the world was shaken by the "gold rush," when precious metal mining The scale of the phenomenon had reached unprecedented proportions. Thousands of people traveled to far corners of the world to get Nugget material. By the end of the century, large firms had emerged with industrial methods of obtaining pure gold from ores.
According to official data, people have managed to extract more than 161,000 tons of this material throughout history.
Top 9 unique ways to use gold
In the modern world, the metal is not used to make coins, and the days of the "gold rush" are long gone. However, nowadays the material is in demand in industry, the national economy, medicine, chemistry and other industries. Can not do without it, even in the development of space. Let's look at where the use of gold is especially relevant now.
Widespread use of gold in industry
Due to its unique physical properties, the metal is actively used in production. It is not subject to corrosion, has high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Table: Main industries that use gold.
| Sphere | Features of Use |
|---|---|
| Defense industry | The metal is used as a target in reproducing atomic reactions in elementary particle gas pedals. It is used to coat mirrors, which are needed to handle the far reaches of infrared radiation. Gold is also used in the production of the neutron bomb. |
| Electronics | Particles of the precious metal are applied to electrical contacts in microelectronics in the manufacture of microcircuits, connectors, and boards. The element Au has proven to be an excellent material for welding in the production of modern electrical equipment |
| Aerospace industry | In these areas, the material's anti-corrosive properties have proven particularly useful. The metal is used in the process of assembling parts of aircraft engines when sealing contacts. A thin film of gold is used to cover the windows of spacecrafts. |
| Chemical Industry | The element is actively used as a catalyst for chemical reactions in the production of chemically resistant parts for devices. |
| Transportation industry | By passing an electric current through the precious element, gold acquires the anti-fog properties necessary for the glass of various vehicles - electric locomotives, seagoing ships, and aircraft. |
The main industrial applications of gold are listed above. However, with the development of science, this material acquires more and more new areas of use. For example, it is being actively introduced in nanotechnology, telecommunications, etc.
Accelerating chemical reactions
Gold has the properties of a catalyst. In other words, it accelerates chemical reactions and optimizes processes. This property has found application in various industries ranging from plastic production to energy production.
The main advantages of the metal as a catalyst are its long shelf life, reactivity, and high compliance with the desired product. In addition, its nanoparticles are lighter and more efficient than many other catalysts.
Using gold in jewelry
Since ancient times, people have made from precious material decorationsIt is believed to be the first metal used by man. It is believed to be the first metal used by man. Today, gold is still popular among jewelers: it's hard to imagine a more popular material for jewelry making.
According to statistics, about 80% of the precious metal mined today is used by jewelers. They make rings, chains, cufflinks, bracelets, pendants, and other items.
The precious element has a high ductility, it easily takes any shape and does not tarnish, which cannot be said about other metals.
In addition, the precious element has a pleasant color, luster, it easily changes its hue when mixed with other materials.
Gold alloying - a change colors and properties - allows jewelers to obtain different types of this metal, for example:
Separately distinguish the pure material without impurities. It is marked "24К".
Medical use of metal
Why is the metal used in medicine? It has many useful properties, which have proven valuable for the development of medicine as well as pharmacy.
Precious metal to fight cancer and other serious diseases
The compounds of the precious metal are widely used in the composition of many medicines needed to treat malignant tumors, tuberculosis, skin diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Some medicines with gold successfully fight the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Radioactive particles of the precious metal are effective in the fight against cancer. For example, the gold element is used for radiation therapy.
The metal is also used in the diagnosis of cancer.
Making implants, prostheses
Because of its good malleability, as well as its resistance to oxidation, the metal has been used since ancient times. Dentistry. Alloys of this element with other materials are used to make dental crowns and dentures.
When the metal is mixed with silver, zinc, copper or platinum, it produces a strong material that is ideal for dental prosthetics. If treated with care, the alloy will last as long as possible.
Applications in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology
Why gold is needed cosmetology? The metal is suitable for facial skin care. Today, creams, masks, and patches with the precious metal are becoming increasingly popular. It has antimicrobial properties, so it effectively eliminates skin problems, rejuvenates it, makes the face look fresher.
In aesthetic medicine, the solar metal has found applications: very popular gold threads with the effect of tightening the contour of the face.
Effective ingredient in the food industry and dietary supplements
Gold, the use of which in food The metal has a special place in the industry and is valued by professional chefs and home cooks. For example, this metal is used to produce the yellow dye E-75, which is used in the preparation of various dishes.
The material is also used to make alcoholic beverages. In addition, it allows you to create metallic effects to serve food beautifully. This property is especially useful for restaurants.
Because of its many beneficial properties, the element is included in dietary supplements (dietary supplements). However, they can be taken only after consultation with a doctor.
Microchip production
Gold, a common application in electronics, is used to make parts of many devices. Almost all modern gadgets contain particles of this element. We are talking about computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. For example, microchips contain gold-plated contacts as well as filaments made of this metal.
However, the processors contain the most precious material.
Image application and painting
Gold is also used in printing. It can be used to print inscriptions, logos, and images on various objects and clothing. This method of printing is quite valuable, so it has a high at.
Another application of metal is embossing. It is a method of applying gold material to paper, cardboard, and other surfaces. Typically, this method is used to produce printed products, from business cards and diaries to expensive book covers.
The precious metal is also used in iconography. Elements of gilding are found on the oldest Russian icons of the 9-11th centuries. Masters in the distant past used, as a rule, gold leaf. It is thanks to him that icons have survived to this day in near-perfect condition. Often they do not even need serious restoration. Today, gold leaf is used by masters of applied arts and crafts to create their creations.
A financial instrument for investment
Today, gold products as well as bullion are an instrument of financial investment. According to statistics, about 10-20% of all financial reserves are backed by the appropriate amount of this metal, which allows you to control the exchange rate, as well as ensure financial stability.
For these purposes, banks use 999.9 proof ingots, which is the standard.
Creating works of art, designer items, fashion accessories
Since ancient times, metal has been used not only as the basis for jewelry. It was used to create sculptures, frescoes, as well as other works of art and architecture of the West and the East. For example, the tops of Egyptian pyramids used to be covered with precious metal, and there were many objects made of it inside.
Элемент играет большую роль в религии. Из него изготавливали статуи божеств, религиозную атрибутику, символы веры. Так, в Бангкоке есть статуя Будды 13 века. Она весит примерно 6 тонн, а ее высота составляет около трех метров. Православные храмы России имеют множество религиозных предметов из золота, например православные предметы из драгоценных металлов выпускает ювелирный дом https://fedorov-jeweler.ru/suveniry/.
Metal, actively used by masters of modern art, is involved in the creation of sculptures, paintings.
The precious material is actively used by the fashion industry. Famous brands use the gilding method to create unique designs for handbags, shoes, etc. Gold threads are used to create lingerie, as well as other items of clothing.
Video: the use of gold in ancient times and in the modern world
Question-and-answer section
What can I make from gold at home?
Where is gold used most often in industry?
So gold is a metal that surrounds us everywhere. The sphere of its application is enormous, and it expands every year.
